Purchasing Managers Job Description

What Do Purchasing Managers Do?

Purchasing managers are involved with those who must purchase materials for their business. A purchasing manager is responsible for planning and conducting the activities of buyers and other relevant employees. This position deals with both retail and trade materials. Specific responsibilities for purchasing managers include: ● Conducting employee training programs● Scheduling the transportation of materials ● Looking over financial records ● Negotiating sales agreements● Directing financial operations for a businessDue to the relevance of this position, there is a good deal of purchasing managers in the United States and its territories. The number of those employed in this position is around 71,900 and that number is expected to grow. Over the course of the next decade, it is predicted that this industry will see around 1,730 job openings annually. By 2022, it is projected that there will be 73,400 individuals who are employed as purchasing managers nationally.

Purchasing Managers Skills and Abilities

Purchasing managers must the ability to coordinate a number of projects at the same time and have exceptional organizational abilities. An ideal purchasing manager will be able to handle multiple clients with varying demands on a daily basis. Those in this field tend to have strong listening skills and a certain degree of social perceptiveness. In addition, purchasing managers must have exceptional communication skills and an ability to handle problematic clients in a calm and respectful way.

Purchasing Managers Duties

The primary duties of a purchasing manager consist of negotiations with buyers, communicating with clients and maintaining interpersonal relationships. An ideal purchasing manager will be able to spot, address and resolve a problem in a graceful manner and continuously increase the business of their employer. The many duties of a purchasing manager include: ● Maintaining the records of any materials that are ordered● Implementing contract management instructions ● Resolving any specific vendor grievances that arise ● Administering an online system of purchasing

Purchasing Managers Tools and Technology

Since most of the work that a purchasing manager is responsible for involves a computer, it is expected that those in this field have a profound understanding of technology. Aside from the use of a personal computer, a purchasing manager must be able to use a wide range of software for inventory, communication, data entry and word processing. Those looking to enter this field are encouraged to stay up to date on trends in technology and more efficient methods that are being developed for the industry.

Education and Training for Purchasing Managers

Typically, a Bachelor’s degree is required in order to become a purchasing manager. This is not always the case, however, and around twenty-one percent of purchasing managers have a high school diploma or its equivalent. A Master’s degree is not necessary for this field, but it can greatly increase the chances of an individual being hired.

Purchasing Managers Salary

Due to the high depends of the industry, those who work as purchasing managers are compensated well. The average national salary for a purchasing manager is around $106,100 and the top ten percent of those in this field can make up to $169,000 each year. The exact number will vary depending on the state and the qualifications of the individual, but even the bottom ten percent in this industry is able to make around $60,800.

Purchasing Managers Jobs by Geography

The states with the highest number of purchasing managers are California, Illinois and Texas. Within the next ten years, it is projected that Guam, Colorado and Texas will see the largest increase in purchasing manager positions. The states with the highest annual salary for purchasing managers are Delaware, District of Columbia and Maryland.